The police watchdog is investigating after a man was knocked down by a Greater Manchester Police vehicle in Rochdale.
The pursuit began when a vehicle failed to stop for police at around 3.25am on Sunday morning (November 19). Officers gave chase onto Milnrow Road and then Rochdale Road, where the pedestrian was hit.
The man - whose age has not been revealed - was rushed to the Salford Royal Hospital from the scene in a 'critical condition'. No further updates on his condition have been released yet today.
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The driver of the vehicle being chased failed to stop at the scene of the crash, with officers now trying to track him down. The incident was referred to the GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate and the Independent Office for Police Conduct 'in line with normal procedure'.
In a statement issued this morning, a spokesperson for the IOPC - the police watchdog - confirmed a referral had been made. The spokesperson said an investigation is in 'the very early stages'.
In full, the statement from the IOPC said: "Following a referral from Greater Manchester Police we have started an independent investigation into the circumstances of a road traffic collision involving a police vehicle and a pedestrian.
“We were notified by the force that the collision occurred on Milnrow Road, Rochdale, at approximately 3.30am on Sunday (19 November). Officers provided medical assistance to the man who was taken to hospital for the injuries he sustained.
“Our investigation is in the very early stages.”
A GMP spokesperson said previously: "Around 3.25am on Sunday 19 November 2023, officers in a police vehicle requested a vehicle to stop in Rochdale. The driver failed to stop and a short police pursuit commenced on Milnrow Road and continued onto Rochdale Road, where a collision occurred between the police vehicle and a pedestrian.
"The vehicle failed to stop at the scene of the collision. Officers provided medical assistance to the injured pedestrian, who was taken to Salford Royal Hospital, where they remain in a critical condition. A scene has been established and enquiries are ongoing to locate the male driver who made off.
"In-line with normal procedure, referrals have been made to GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate and the Independent Office for Police Conduct."
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